System, method and program product for location based services, asset management and tracking

ABSTRACT

A system for location based services utilizing a mobile device includes a software module configured to operate in a background mode on the mobile device. The software module is further configured to determine a geographical location of the mobile device and transmit the geographical location at predetermined intervals. A services platform is in communication with the mobile device for receiving the geographical location. The services platform includes at least one location based service module for facilitating at least one location based service on the mobile device. A plurality of back end databases is in communication with the services platform where the services platform integrates data from the back end databases with data from a location database. A secure website is included where an owner of the mobile device can view the geographical location of the mobile device and geographical locations of other mobile devices and have the ability to view friends/family/business associates on their mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of theU.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/117,933 filed onNov. 25, 2008 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this relatedprovisional application are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mobile applications. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to location-based services formobile devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently 3.3 billion cell phones in the world, and the growthin cell phone ownership is not stopping. Portio Research predicts that50% of the world's population will be using a cell phone by the end of2009. Furthermore, cell phones are becoming more sophisticated with manydifferent types of applications including, but not limited to,location-based services (LBS). A location-based service is aninformation or entertainment service accessible with mobile devicesthrough a mobile network utilizing the ability to make use of thegeographical position of the mobile device. The geographical positionsof these mobile devices are typically determined for location-basedservices using global positioning systems (GPS) and cell phone towertriangulation, and in the U.S., every cell phone produced after 2006 isrequired to be GPS enabled. Location-based services is a huge market andmany companies are looking at how they can provide these services.Various types of location-based services may be useful or appealing tocell phone users or service providers.

One such location-based service is a phone locator service. Losing acell phone is a costly annoyance. Currently people are reliant on theirphones more than ever, and cell phones often hold a large amount ofinformation that can be sensitive, important and private to its owner.Furthermore, the cost of some of these devices has risen to $500-600.Approximately 20% of mobile subscribers in the U.S. have insurance ontheir cell phone that costs about $5 a month. When an insured subscriberloses a phone, they typically have to pay a $50 deductible. One of thetop insurers in Los Angeles County replaces 400,000 lost or stolenphones a month. There is a tremendous need to help consumers locate lostand stolen cell phones to avoid paying for replacement phones.

A currently known solution for finding stolen cell phones sends a textmessage or email with the number of the thief if the thief switches theSubscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in the stolen phone. However, thissolution does nothing if the SIM card is not changed. Other knownsolutions use GPS to track the location of cell phones. However, thesesolutions only track the location of the phone if the location softwareis turned on. This would enable a thief to turn off the software so thatthe phone could not be located. It would be highly desirable to have anovel method that could still locate the phone without the thief beingaware of it. There are also several companies that currently provide‘over the air’ contact backups automatically from a cell phone. However,these backups offer nothing to recover the phone if lost or stolen.

Another location based service that may be useful to cell phone users isa friends and family locator that enables a user to view the locationsof friends and family members who also have the application on theircell phones. A currently known friends and family locator is provided byLoopt mobile. However, this method requires the application to be openedon the phone and only sends the recent location of the phone every 15minutes to 2 hours. Furthermore, if the application is turned offcompletely, the current location information for the phone is removedfrom the system, location updating is suspended and the current locationis no longer available to others using the application. Also, if theapplication is not used for a predetermined period of time by actuallybringing the application to the foreground, location updating times outand the location information for the phone expires. Verizon also has alocation product called ‘Chaperone’; however, this product requires theuser to purchase a specific handset for this service, and this serviceis only available on a very limited number of handsets. Also, thisproduct is geared mainly toward child protection.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques forproviding location-based services for cell phones and other mobiledevices that do not require an application to be running in theforeground in order to function and frequently update the location ofthe cell phones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of an exemplary system for providinglocation-based services to mobile devices, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for signing upfor a location-based service provider, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary location-based mobile device locatorsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriatelyconfigured or designed, can serve as a computer system in which theinvention may be embodied.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, system, method and program product forlocation based services, asset management and tracking is presented.

In one embodiment, a system for location based services utilizing amobile device is presented. The system includes a software moduleconfigured to operate in a background mode on the mobile device. Thesoftware module is further configured to determine a geographicallocation of the mobile device and transmit the geographical location atpredetermined intervals. A services platform is in communication withthe mobile device for receiving the geographical location. A locationdatabase is included where the services platform stores the geographicallocation. A secure website is included where an owner of the mobiledevice can view the geographical location of the mobile device therebyaiding the owner in locating a lost or stolen mobile device. In anotherembodiment the software module is further configured to suspendtransmitting the geographical location when it is determined that thegeographical location is unchanged from a previous geographical locationto generally reduce bandwidth, and server and database processingrequirements, and resume transmitting the geographical location when itis determined that the geographical location is changed from theprevious geographical location. In another embodiment the softwaremodule is further configured to detect a change in identity of themobile device and transmit the change in identity and a currentgeographical location upon the detection. In yet another embodiment thesoftware module is further configured to detect a battery depletion inthe mobile device, detect attempts to tamper with the mobile device andtransmit a current geographical location upon the detection of batterydepletion or the detection of attempts to tamper. In still anotherembodiment the software module is further configured to activate atleast one feature of the mobile device upon receiving instructions fromthe owner using the secure website. In another embodiment the owner canfurther view geographical locations of other mobile devices hosting thesoftware module in use by individuals allowing the viewing by the owner.In yet another embodiment the services platform includes at least onelocation based service module for facilitating at least one locationbased service on the mobile device. Another embodiment further includesa plurality of back end databases in communication with the servicesplatform where the services platform integrates data from the back enddatabases with data from the location database. In another embodiment,at least one location based service module includes a functionality toallow the owner to open a dialog with another user based on thegeographical location. In yet another embodiment, at least one locationbased service module includes a functionality to allow the owner toreceive information based on the geographical location. In still anotherembodiment the at least one location based service module includes afunctionality to allow the owner to locate another user based on thegeographical location. In another embodiment, at least one locationbased service module includes a functionality to allow the owner torender payment for goods or services based on the geographical location.In still another embodiment, at least one location based service moduleincludes a functionality to allow the owner to receive informationalalerts based on the geographical location. In yet another embodiment, atleast one location based service module includes a functionality tocompare a location of an alleged financial transaction of the owner tothe geographical location. Still another embodiment further includes acommerce website where the owner can locate or be alerted of buyers andsellers based on the geographical location.

In another embodiment a system for location based services utilizing amobile device is presented. The system includes means for determiningand transmitting a geographical location of the mobile device, means forcommunicating with the mobile device to receive the geographicallocation, means for storing the geographical location and means for anowner of the mobile device to view the geographical location. Anotherembodiment further includes means for facilitating at least one locationbased service on the mobile device. Other embodiments further includemeans for integrating data from the storing means and means forfacilitating commerce based on the geographical location.

In another embodiment a method for location based services utilizing amobile device is presented. The method includes the steps of determininga geographical location of the mobile device, transmitting thegeographical location to a services platform for storage in a locationdatabase and viewing the geographical location of the mobile devicethereby aiding an owner in locating a lost or stolen mobile device. Inanother embodiment the step of transmitting further includes suspendingtransmitting of the geographical location when it is determined that thegeographical location is unchanged from a previous geographical locationto generally reduce bandwidth, and server and database processingrequirements, and resuming transmitting of the geographical locationwhen it is determined that the geographical location is changed from theprevious geographical location. Another embodiment further includes thestep of detecting a change in identity of the mobile device andtransmitting the change in identity and a current geographical locationupon the detection. Yet another embodiment further includes the step ofdetecting a battery depletion in the mobile device, detecting attemptsto tamper with the mobile device and transmitting a current geographicallocation upon the detection of battery depletion or the detection ofattempts to tamper. Still another embodiment further includes the stepof activating at least one feature of the mobile device upon receivinginstructions from the owner using a secure website. Yet anotherembodiment further includes the step of viewing geographical locationsof other mobile devices of individuals allowing the viewing. Anotherembodiment further includes the step of interacting with at least onelocation based service associated with the services platform where theservices platform integrates data from back end databases with data fromthe location database. Yet another embodiment further includes the stepof opening a dialog with another user using the at least one locationbased service. Still another embodiment further includes the step ofreceiving information based on the geographical location from the atleast one location based service. Yet another embodiment furtherincludes the step of locating another user using the at least onelocation based service. Another embodiment further includes the step ofrendering payment for goods or services using the at least one locationbased service. Still another embodiment further includes the step ofreceiving informational alerts from the at least one location basedservice. Yet another embodiment further includes the step of receivingfrom the at least one location based service a result of a comparison ofa location of an alleged financial transaction of the owner to thegeographical location. Another embodiment further includes the step ofusing a commerce website where the owner can locate or be alerted ofbuyers and sellers based on the geographical location.

In another embodiment a method for location based services utilizing amobile device is presented. The method includes steps for determining ageographical location of the mobile device, steps for transmitting thegeographical location to a services platform and steps for viewing thegeographical location of the mobile device and other mobile devices.Another embodiment further includes steps for detecting changes in themobile device. Yet another embodiment further includes steps foractivating at least one feature of the mobile device. Other embodimentsfurther include steps for interacting with at least one location basedservice and steps for using a commerce website.

In another embodiment a computer program product for location basedservices utilizing a mobile device is presented. The computer programproduct includes computer code for determining a geographical locationof the mobile device and transmitting the geographical location to aservices platform for storage in a location database. The computer codesuspends transmitting of the geographical location when it is determinedthat the geographical location is unchanged from a previous geographicallocation to generally reduce bandwidth, and server and databaseprocessing requirements, and resumes transmitting of the geographicallocation when it is determined that the geographical location is changedfrom the previous geographical location. Computer code detects changesin the mobile device and transmits the geographical location upon thedetecting. Computer code activates at least one feature of the mobiledevice a web site. Computer code interacts with at least one locationbased service. Computer code is included for viewing the geographicallocation of the mobile device and other mobile devices. Acomputer-readable medium stores the computer code.

In another embodiment a system for location based services utilizing amobile device is presented. The system includes a software moduleconfigured to operate in a background mode on the mobile device. Thesoftware module is further configured to determine a geographicallocation of the mobile device and transmit the geographical location atpredetermined intervals. The software module is further configured tosuspend transmitting the geographical location when it is determinedthat the geographical location is unchanged from a previous geographicallocation to generally reduce bandwidth, and server and databaseprocessing requirements, and resume transmitting the geographicallocation when it is determined that the geographical location is changedfrom the previous geographical location. A services platform is incommunication with the mobile device for receiving the geographicallocation. The services platform includes at least one location basedservice module for facilitating at least one location based service onthe mobile device. A location database is included where the servicesplatform stores the geographical location. A plurality of back enddatabases is in communication with the services platform where theservices platform integrates data from the back end databases with datafrom the location database. A secure website is included where an ownerof the mobile device can view the geographical location of the mobiledevice and geographical locations of other mobile devices hosting thesoftware module in use by individuals allowing the viewing by the owner.A commerce website is included where the owner can locate or be alertedof buyers and sellers based on the geographical location.

Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide means and methodsfor providing location-based services as mobile applications on cellphones and other mobile devices. The software for preferred embodimentsis coded for all mobile phone operating systems including, but notlimited to, Symbian, Windows Mobil, Brew, iPhone, Android, andBlackberry. In preferred embodiments the location data of each mobiledevice in the system is kept in a central secure database unique to thissystem. The location data in this database may then be used to providelocation based services such as, but not limited to, locating lost orstolen cell phones, locating friends or family members, location-basedsocial networking and dating, providing location specific advertising,etc. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also enablecompanies or any individual to provide their own location basedservices. In preferred embodiments, the solution (i.e., the software andhardware) is architected to accommodate 500,000 users; however,alternate embodiments may be scaled to millions of users effectively.

There are various types of location-based services that may be providedby preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, withoutlimitation, one type of location-based service is a proximity-basednotification. Proximity-based notifications may include, withoutlimitation, location-based targeted advertising, mobile location-basedsocial networking, mobile location-based dating, etc. A non-limitingexample of location-based targeted advertising is, when a user of alocation-based service walks near a store, the user gets a message toreceive 20% off a purchase at that store. In a non-limiting example ofmobile location-based social networking, the system may integrate withLinked-In, Myspace and/or Facebook to notify users when they are nearfriends. Mobile location-based dating may integrate with various datingservices such as, but not limited to, Match.com, etc. Another type oflocation-based service is a proximity-based actuation. Proximity-basedactuations may include, without limitation, payment based uponproximity, for example, without limitation, a toll or any other payment,automatic airport check-in, activating a smart house when in closeproximity. Another type of location-based service is finding someone orsomething for example, without limitation, a person by skill (i.e., adoctor), a business, weather, emergency 911, a taxi, food delivery, etc.Parents may also use this type of location-based service to know wheretheir children are or to determine if their children are in theproximity of a felon or child molester. Another type of location-basedservice is resource tracking. For example, without limitation, abusiness owner may track his resources such as, but not limited to,taxis, service people, rental equipment, fleet management andscheduling. Another type of location-based service is an alert such as,but not limited to, an alert of traffic accidents, an alert of ahurricane or tornado warning area or an area of a predicted earthquake,recent crime reports in a particular neighborhood, etc. Alerts may alsoprovide information to users. In a non-limiting example, a user maystand next to a house recently sold or for sell and be notified of itspurchase price or listing price or the previous selling price of thatparticular house or ones nearby. Another type of location-based serviceis a location-based chat. In a non-limiting example of a location-basedchat, a user in a store and may receive help through chat on a cellphone as he shops, and the chat ends when the user leaves the store.

Location Based Services is a huge market and the approaches provided bypreferred embodiments of the present invention offer companies an easyway to provide location-based services to their customers. Furthermore,location-based service providers will be able to generate revenue fromlocation-based text message ads to users and ads on the websitesassociated with the location-based services. The use of location-basedservices according to preferred embodiments will enable companies toprovide more timely text messages and location-based marketing servicesthat are much more relevant to the user.

FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of an exemplary system for providinglocation-based services to mobile devices, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, alocation-based services application development software platform 101 ofthe system may be installed on a server of an entity such as, but notlimited to, a company or a government agency. Once installed,location-based services platform 101 integrates with back end data ofthe entity where the software is installed including, but not limitedto, a customer database 103, a data warehouse 105 and a transactionaldata database 107. This integrates the internal data and customerinformation of the entity with location data from location-basedservices platform 101, bridging the gap between the detailed customerdata from the entity and where the customers are located. Thisintegration enables the system to have a much deeper understanding andviewpoint of the kinds of location-based services it can provide tocustomers and is important for providing richer and meaningful alertsand communications to the individuals based on location. For instance,without limitation, providing better marketing based on what customershave previously purchased or providing weather data to notify those whomay be entering a tornado warning area, etc.

Location-based services platform 101 collects geographical locationinformation about users in a private central location database 109 asthe software on a user's cell phone or other type of mobile device sendsits location using GPS or cell phone tower triangulation tolocation-based services platform 101 at a configurable interval, forexample, without limitation, every 5-30 seconds, every minute or everyfive minutes. This geographical information is the geographical locationof the user's cell phone or other mobile device. In the presentembodiment, location database 109 is in a central location where theentity using the system records and owns location database 109. It iscontemplated that in many applications the service provider would ownthe location data and offer consumers access or use thereof by way ofthe software platform developed by the provider and installed by theconsumer. However, an alternate embodiment comprises an alternativearchitecture where each entity that uses enterprise location-basedservices platform 101 has its own location database on its own site thatstores the location of people that have downloaded the mobileapplication software. In yet another embodiment, location database 109is owned by the administrator of location-based services platform 101,giving them use of, not ownership of, the data of where the customersare located in virtual real time. In other embodiments system may employEnterprise Application and Data Integration and Data Qualityapplications currently available in the market from companies such as,but not limited to, Information Builders, Informatica, Tibco, andTeradata.

In the present embodiment, location-based services platform 101 is ableto send messages to users through their mobile devices, and users mayset LBS preferences on their mobile devices to receive messages fromparticular location based modules. These preferences may include,without limitation, how often they would like to be alerted and type ofinformation such as, but not limited to, cars, houses, CD's from musicstores, etc. Software platform 101 searches location database 109 forusers who are in certain areas based on the location data and theparticular module used to perform location-based services.

In the present embodiment, location-based services platform 101comprises the following modules a chat module 111, a proximity module113, a view module 115, a payment module 117, a resource module 119, analert module 121, and a protect module 123. Those skilled in the art, inlight of the present teachings, will readily recognize that variousdifferent modules may be included in alternate embodiments including,but not limited to, Mobile Customer Relationship Management, emergencyservices, activating your smart house, etc. (the idea that manydifferent modules can be developed for the enterprise software thatutilize the location data and customer information to provide themultitude of location based services). Chat module 111 enables users toopen a dialogue with any other user based on location. Chat module 111may be used to provide services such as, but not limited to, alocation-based customer service chat, a service enabling users to talkto friends, a service connecting sellers and buyers in particularlocations, etc. Proximity module 113 provides information to users basedon the geographical location of the users. Services that may be providedby proximity module 113 include, without limitation, location-basedadvertising, automatic airport check in, activating a smart house,retrieving crime reports for an area, retrieving home prices, ordering ataxi, etc. View module 115 enables users to view where other users arelocated. In some embodiments, the view module 115 may provide users witha view of fixed locations, as for example, without limitation,businesses or landmarks. Services that may be provided by view module115 include, without limitation, a service for finding friends, a mobiledating service and a social or business networking service. Paymentmodule 117 enables users to pay for anything using a mobile device.Resource module 119 enables users to track resources such as, but notlimited to assets, employees, children, fleet vehicles, rental cars,etc. Alert module 121 provides important information and alerts based ongeographic location such as, but not limited to, traffic accidents,weather warnings, earthquake warnings, notification if a user's childrenare near a criminal, etc. Protect module 123 generally prevents creditcard or financial fraud by matching the geographic location of a userwith the location of a purchase or other activity involving the user'scredit card or bank account. If the location of the user as indicated inlocation database 109 is not the same as the location of the purchase oraccount activity, the chance of fraud is much higher. Furthermore,companies who have installed location-based services platform 101 maymake their own LBS applications for their customers such as, but notlimited to, providing information, marketing, alerts, service, andentertainment. In various embodiments, the system is able to, throughreal time data integration, data quality, and business to businessintegration, create a customer record in real time from all useractivities with the participating entities. The system then can performstatistical analysis on the probability that a user will respondfavorably to, without limitation, certain messages, information, alerts,location-based marketing, etc.

In an effort to optimize response rates, enhance the end user experienceand dramatically reduce unwanted messages, a location probabilityanalysis (LPA) server 125 codes probability analysis algorithms andartificial intelligence to send the right marketing messages to theright people at the right time based on their location, time and date.After processing the location probability information, LPA server 125stores this information in location database 109. In a non-limitingexample, the LPA server 125, where appropriate, may predict if the enduser is likely to respond to a location based marketing message forexample. In some instances this prediction would not be needed if thesystem is alerting the end user of entering into an area such as, butnot limited to, a tornado area, earthquake area, etc.

The present embodiment comprises a mobile device locator service inwhich the software on a cell phone 127, or other type of mobile device,sends its location to location-based services platform 101 at aconfigurable interval, for example, without limitation, every 5-30seconds. The location data for cell phone 127 is stored in locationdatabase 109 in a proprietary and secure fashion. The location of cellphone 127 can be viewed via a map on a secure website. In order to viewthe secure website, the user must enter a username and password.Furthermore, from the secure website, the owner of cell phone 127 canperform various functions on cell phone 127 including, but not limitedto, activating a key lock feature of cell phone 127, erasing allprivate/personal data, backing up all information from the mobile deviceto the central database, placing a phone call, taking a picture, videoor voice recording and emailing it or sending an MMS message to anyemail address or phone number of their choice. Alternate embodiments maybe implemented without a mobile device locator service.

The present embodiment also comprises an individual website 129 thatenables anyone to perform location-based services. For example, withoutlimitation, users of website 129 may be buyers and sellers of variousitems. In this example, users enter information on website 129 about theitems they want to sell or what they want to buy along with a distancethreshold. When a buyer and a seller match the criteria of what they arelooking to sell or buy and are both within the proper distance thresholdof each other, a message is sent to the mobile devices for both theseller and the buyer. The users may then open a chat or call each otherto possibly make a transaction. Website 129 of location-based servicesplatform 101 integrates location and time in the matching up of buyersand sellers for specific products any where in the world. Users ofwebsite 129 may also provide various other types of location-basedservices such as, but not limited to, social networking, postingpersonal ads, selling their car, house, or any item for that matter.This would allow the users to be location and proximity specific.Alternate embodiments may comprise a website enabling users to performtheir own location-based services.

In some embodiments, location-based services platform 101 may beintegrated with business intelligence solutions, and data qualityproviders such as, but not limited to, Cognos (IBM), Microstrategy,Information Builders, Business Objects/SAP, Teradata, Informatica,Hyperion/Oracle, SPSS, etc. Also in some embodiments, location-basedservices platform 101 may be integrated with other dataintegration/enterprise application integration solution providers suchas, but not limited to, BEA/Oracle, Web Methods/Software AG,Websphere/IBM, Teradata, Informatica, Tibco and Information Builders.This enables location-based services platform 101 to leverage technologythat has been developed and perfected rather than building newintegration in to all of the different databases in the system. Thisintegration allows for the system to integrate customer locationinformation with all the other information data entities have about thecustomer. It creates a virtual real time “golden record” of eachcustomer. In a non-limiting example, the system would know the productsthe customer has purchased, what stores the customer frequents, etc. andbe able to provide true one to one marketing and information based onlocation while providing that information at the right and relevanttime. However, in alternate embodiments new integration may be builtinto the databases of the system rather than using pre-existingintegration solutions.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for signing upfor a location-based service provider, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. In the present embodiment, the process beginsat step 201 where a connection is made from a location-based servicesplatform to a mobile device, for example, without limitation, an overthe air (OTA), universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth or infrared (IR)connection. In a non-limiting example, a user would be able to installthe software from a mobile device via Bluetooth. That is, if thesoftware is installed on a friend's mobile device, the user can connectto his friend's phone and receive the software or begin the installationprocess from him through the Bluetooth connection. Through thisconnection the services available to the user from the location-basedservices platform and instructions on how to download the services aredisplayed on the screen of the mobile device in step 203. The processdetermines if the user chose to download the services in step 205. Ifnot, the process ends. If so, the location-based services platformauto-detects the operating system (OS) on the mobile device in step 207.In step 209 the location-based services platform determines if the OS ofthe mobile device is supported. If the OS is not supported a message issent to the mobile device and to the site of the unsupported OS foradministrative tracking in step 211, and the process ends. Anon-limiting exemplary message that may be sent to the mobile device is“We are sorry but your device is not currently supported. A message hasbeen sent to the developers, and we will work to make this serviceavailable.” If the OS is supported, the service is downloaded in step213.

Once downloaded, the user enters an email address to create an accountto use the secure website connected to the location-based servicesplatform in step 215. Then in step 217 a text a friend message isdisplayed on the mobile device that asks the user if he would like totext his friends about this service. In the present embodiment, the texta friend feature is built into the software when the user originallydownloads the service in step 213; however, alternate embodiments maynot comprise a text a friend feature. If the user chooses to text hisfriends in step 217, the mobile device software automatically extractsthe entire list of the contacts in the mobile device and the user isasked to choose which contacts he would like to text or which contactshe would not like to text or let the software text everyone in step 219.The text message informing friends of the user are sent from the usersphone directly in step 221. The user is given an incentive to text hisfriends about the service, for example without limitation, the chance towin a new cell phone. In some embodiments the mobile device softwareautomatically asks the user at a specified interval, for example,without limitation, every 6 weeks, if he would like to text his friendsagain about the service. In other embodiments, the user is only askedonce if he would like to text his friends. In the present embodimentafter the contact information is sent in step 221 or if the user choosesnot to text his friends in step 217, a message is sent to the mobiledevice instructing the user to go to his email to activate his accountand create a password in step 223. The user is now able to use theservices offered by the location-based services platform.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, willreadily recognize that the steps described in the previous process maybe performed in a different order and in some cases steps may be omittedor added. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may notimplement a text a friend sequence. Also, the user may be asked tocreate a password at the same time that the account is created ratherthan later in the process. In alternative embodiments, the software canbe installed to send location data to the server, and the user caninteract with the system without setting up a username and password onthe web site.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary location-based mobile device locatorsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Usersof the system will be provided with a tremendous convenience of locatingand recovering their mobile device quickly with all of its contacts,pictures, calendars and information rather than waiting for an insurancecompany to replace the device after several days with none of theinformation or buying a new device for full price. In the presentembodiment, a mobile device 203 is located using GPS 205 since, in theU.S., every cell phone produced after 2006 is required to be GPSenabled. The preferred method of getting the location data is throughGPS satellite. When that is not available, the system will utilize cellphone tower triangulation. Software on mobile device 203 sends itslocation information to a datacenter 207 at a configurable interval. Ina preferred embodiment, the software on the mobile device will not sendthe location to the server if it has not changed. When it does change,the software begins sending the location at the interval specified. Thisgenerally reduces bandwidth, and server and database processing. In thepresent embodiment, mobile device 203 is tracked every 5-30 seconds;however, various different intervals may be used in alternateembodiments. In the present embodiment, the software on mobile device203 that sends location data to datacenter 207 runs in the background onmobile device 203, and location data is continuously sent to datacenter207 even if the application is turned off on mobile device 203.

Datacenter 207 comprises servers and databases, and the location data ofmobile device 203 is stored in a central database in datacenter 207 in aproprietary and secure fashion. Datacenter 207 is integrated with athird party mapping service such as, but not limited to, Google Maps,MSFT Maps, Navteq or Telenav so that the location of mobile device 203can be viewed via a map on a secure website 209. In order to use website209, the user must enter a username and a password. The user may performvarious functions on website 209 including, without limitation,creating, editing or suspending a profile, locating a mobile device,paying for services, accessing functions on the mobile device, etc. Insome embodiments of the present invention, the consumer is provided withthe ability to activate the key-lock feature on the phone from the website, back up data (e.g., automatically or from the web site), and eraseinformation on the phone.

In typical use of the present embodiment when a user thinks they havelost or had their mobile device 203 stolen, the user logs onto securewebsite 209 with a unique password to view the location of mobile device203 on a map similar to a map on MapQuest. If someone has stolen mobiledevice 203 and replaced the SIM card, the phone number of the new SIMcard is shown on website 209. The owner of mobile device 203 then hasthe number of the thief and may report this information to the police.If the battery of mobile device 203 dies or of someone tampers with theoperating system or firmware of mobile device 203, the software ofmobile device 203 sends its current location at that exact second todatacenter 207. In the present embodiment, the owner can also activate akey lock feature on mobile device 203, erase all private or personaldata, place a phone call, take a picture, video or voice recording andemail or MMS message this information to any email address or phonenumber from secure website 209. Alternate embodiments may be implementedonly to track mobile devices and may not enable users to accessfunctions on the mobile device.

In order to offer privacy to users, website 209 and datacenter 207 inthe present embodiment are in a secured environment where only the trueowner of mobile device 203 is able to view its location. When thelocation is viewed, an email is sent to the user and a text message issent to mobile device 203 later, for example, without limitation, 36hours later. If the user was not the person who viewed the location, theuser can change their password, etc. to generally prevent furtherunauthorized use. Furthermore, a list of the last ten location views ofmobile device 203 is listed on website 209 so the user is aware ifsomeone else has viewed their location.

Mobile device locator systems according to preferred embodiments of thepresent invention have the ability to lower telecommunications costs forconsumers and increase their level of satisfaction and retention withcarriers by helping to locate mobile devices that would have otherwisebeen lost. These systems may also be a revenue generator and costsavings application for insurers and carriers. The present embodimenttargets primarily users with higher end cell phones or smartphones andpersonal digital assistants (PDAs) as these users will not only beconcerned with the financial loss of the mobile device but also with theloss of personal information on which they rely day to day. However, anyperson with a cell phone has the potential of being a user of thepresent embodiment.

Similar to the mobile device locator service described by way of examplein accordance with FIG. 3, some embodiments of the present invention mayalso include a friend and family locator service. Users of this servicecan view the geographical locations of their friends and family memberson a website or on a map on their mobile device. In the presentembodiment, this service can be turned on or off completely or the usercan select which friends or family members can or cannot see theirlocation. The user can also set the software to send an alert to theirmobile device if a friend or family member is within a certain distancefrom them. This distance can be set on the website or on the user'smobile device. In various embodiments, users can also:

-   1. view friends location on the web site or from the handset;-   2. decide if some, all or none of your friends can see you;-   3. share photos that are tagged to a location;-   4. recommend places, etc. to friends;-   5. For location friends, your location it attached to the message    when you send messages or photos; and-   6. View friends journals to see the log of what they have been doing    and be able to leave comments.

In the present embodiment, after software installation and accountactivation, the location of each mobile device signed up for the serviceis sent to a server and central database, similarly to the datacenterdescribed by way of example in accordance with FIG. 3, where thelocation information is stored. The software that sends location data tothe server and central database runs in the background on the mobiledevice even if the user has turned off the service. In contrast, priorart friend and family locator services require an application to berunning in the foreground of the device, and if location sharing isturned off completely or is not used for a specified period of time, thecurrent location information is removed from the system and locationupdating is suspended. In the present embodiment, even though a user mayturn the service off completely or block certain friends and familymembers, the mobile device continues to send the location of the mobiledevice to the server and central database. Also, this system can run inthe background of the mobile device undetected and does not require anapplication to be opened on the mobile device to send the location data.Furthermore, the service in the present embodiment sends locationinformation to the server and central database every 5-30 seconds, whichis more frequently than the prior art, and stores historical data in thecentral database to be used later for location-based services asdescribed by way of example in accordance with FIG. 1. The mobile devicesoftware in the present embodiment will also only send the location datawhen it has changed alleviating bandwidth, server and database load. Inalternate embodiments, the mobile device may send location informationto the server and central database at different intervals.

Along with the proliferation of mobile devices that are GPS enabled, themobile social networking market is also huge. Therefore, a friend andfamily locater service according to the present embodiment may beintegrated with dating sites such as, but not limited to, match.com,social networking sites such as, but not limited to, myspace.com andfacebook.com or a standalone system. In the standalone system, thefamily and friend locator service can be used and administered at themobile device or the website of the lost/phone locator embodiment. Usersof a friend and family locator service integrated with a socialnetworking system or a standalone system can perform various functionssuch as, but not limited to, commenting on or posting pictures andvideos on certain locations to leave behind for friends or familymembers, meeting people with similar interests in nearby locations, etc.

In some embodiments of the friend and family locator a business mode isprovided whereby the family and friend locator would allow the user tocontrol personal and/or business mode to be on or off. With the businessmode enabled, the user could know if a business associate or anon-personal person of interest is near by.

In still other embodiments, the mobile device software may be installedon handheld gaming systems a service could provide location dependentgames. Users of the mobile device or handheld gaming system could engagein games such as, but not limited to, games adapted to a geographicalarea and interactive games between other users in proximity to the user.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, a location basedemergency service is provided where a user can push a panic/emergencybutton and the system server looks for other users near by that canhelp. In some related embodiments a “health emergency” button isprovided that prompts the server to search for other users that aredoctors near the user and send an alert to the doctor (or otheremergency service providers) and instructs them on how find (e.g.,walked to) the other user in need of first aid or immediate medicaluntil emergency services arrive. It is contemplated that such servicesmight be offered on an opt-in basis, possibly as a good Samaritanservice.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriatelyconfigured or designed, can serve as a computer system in which theinvention may be embodied. The computer system 400 includes any numberof processors 402 (also referred to as central processing units, orCPUs) that are coupled to storage devices including primary storage 406(typically a random access memory, or RAM), primary storage 404(typically a read only memory, or ROM). CPU 402 may be of various typesincluding microcontrollers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) andmicroprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based,or CPLDs and FPGAs) and unprogrammable devices such as gate array ASICsor general purpose microprocessors. As is well known in the art, primarystorage 404 acts to transfer data and instructions uni-directionally tothe CPU and primary storage 406 is used typically to transfer data andinstructions in a bi-directional manner. Both of these primary storagedevices may include any suitable computer-readable media such as thosedescribed above. A mass storage device 408 may also be coupledbi-directionally to CPU 402 and provides additional data storagecapacity and may include any of the computer-readable media describedabove. Mass storage device 408 may be used to store programs, data andthe like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a harddisk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within themass storage device 408, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated instandard fashion as part of primary storage 406 as virtual memory. Aspecific mass storage device such as a CD-ROM 414 may also pass datauni-directionally to the CPU.

CPU 402 may also be coupled to an interface 410 that connects to one ormore input/output devices such as such as video monitors, track balls,mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer cardreaders, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice orhandwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, ofcourse, other computers. Finally, CPU 402 optionally may be coupled toan external device such as a database or a computer ortelecommunications or internet network using an external connection asshown generally at 412, which may be implemented as a hardwired orwireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies.With such a connection, it is contemplated that the CPU might receiveinformation from the network, or might output information to the networkin the course of performing the method steps described in the teachingsof the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in accordance with theteachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing stepsand/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed andadditional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending uponthe needs of the particular application, and that the systems of theforegoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety ofsuitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to anyparticular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcodeand the like.

It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least aportion of the novel method steps and/or system components of thepresent invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s)possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA),whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subsetof the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoingembodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for thebenefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the presentinvention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention maybe configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing novel meansfor and/or steps described that the applications designer willselectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of theparticular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within thejurisdiction of the USA. For any claims construction of the followingclaims that are construed under 35 USC §112(6) it is intended that thecorresponding means for and/or steps for carrying out the claimedfunction also include those embodiments, and equivalents, ascontemplated above that implement at least some novel aspects andobjects of the present invention in the jurisdiction of the USA. Forexample, the databases and location based services may be performedand/or located outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while theremaining method steps and/or system components of the forgoingembodiments are typically required to be located/performed in the US forpractical considerations.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of providing location-basedservices as mobile applications according to the present invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has beendescribed above by way of illustration, and the specific embodimentsdisclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of thelocation-based services may vary depending upon the particular type ofdevice used. The devices described in the foregoing were directed tocell phone and PDA implementations; however, similar techniques are toprovide location-based services to other types of devices such as, butnot limited to, automobiles, notebook computers, handheld electronicgames, navigation systems, desktop computers, etc. Implementations ofthe present invention made for devices other than cell phones and PDAsare contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Theinvention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a server computing device,the method comprising: receiving, at the server, a geographical locationof a mobile device, wherein the geographical location of the mobiledevice is monitored in a background mode of the mobile device; storingthe received geographical location of the mobile device in a database;receiving login information from a user; authenticating the user usingthe received login information; sending, in response to a request fromthe user via a secure website, the geographical location of the mobiledevice stored on the database; receiving a request from via the securewebsite to lock a keyboard of the mobile device; and transmittinginstructions to the mobile device, at the received geographicallocation, to execute the request.
 2. The method of claim 1, the methodfurther comprising: receiving a geographical location of the mobiledevice that is transmitted from the mobile device upon occurrence of atleast one predetermined event.
 3. The method of claim 2, the methodfurther comprising: wherein a first predetermined event comprises abattery power level receding to or less than a predetermined threshold.4. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: receiving arequest from the user via the secure website to erase data stored on themobile device; and transmitting instructions to the mobile device toerase data stored on the mobile device.
 5. The method of claim 1, themethod further comprising: receiving a request from the user via thesecure website to erase personal data stored on the mobile device; andtransmitting instructions to the mobile device to erase the personaldata stored on the mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 1, the methodfurther comprising: receiving a request from the user via the securewebsite to backup data stored on the mobile device; and transmittinginstructions to the mobile device to transmit data stored on the mobiledevice.
 7. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising:sending, in response to a request from the user via a secure website,data restoration instructions to the mobile device.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, the method further comprising: receiving a request from theuser via the secure website to copy data stored on the mobile device;and transmitting instructions to the mobile device to transmitinformation associated with stored data on the mobile device forsubsequent storage.
 9. The method of claim 7, the method furthercomprising: bypassing audio settings of the mobile device; and sending,in response to a request from the user via a secure website,instructions to control audio output of the mobile device.
 10. A systemcomprising: a mobile device, and a server having at least one processingunit; a memory, operatively connected to the at least one processingunit and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessing unit, cause the at least one processing unit to perform amethod, the method comprising: receiving at the server, based upon anevent, a geographical location of the mobile device that is transmittedfrom the mobile device having been monitored in a background mode of themobile device; storing the geographical location of the mobile device ina database; receiving login information from a user; authenticating theuser using the received login information; sending, in response to arequest from the user via a secure website, the geographical location ofthe mobile device stored on the database for display to the user via thesecure website; receiving an indication from the user that the mobiledevice has been physically dispossessed from the user, wherein theindication comprises instructions to remotely control at least onefunction of the mobile device; receiving a request from the user toremotely control the mobile device via the secure website, wherein therequest comprises at least one of disabling a keyboard of the mobiledevice, accessing personal data stored on the mobile device, recordingan image, and recording audio; and transmitting instructions to themobile device at the received geographical location to execute therequest.
 11. The system of claim 10, the method further comprising:receiving a request from the user via the secure website to erasepersonal data stored on the mobile device; and transmitting instructionsto the mobile device to erase the personal data stored on the mobiledevice.
 12. The method of claim 10, the method further comprising:receiving a request from the user via the secure website to erasepersonal data stored on the mobile device; and transmitting instructionsto the mobile device to erase the personal data stored on the mobiledevice.
 13. In a computing environment, a computer-implemented methodfor location based services utilizing a mobile device and a server, themethod comprising: receiving, at the server, based upon an event, ageographical location of the mobile device, wherein the geographicallocation is monitored in a background mode of the mobile device; storingthe geographical location of the mobile device in a database of theserver; receiving login information from a user; authenticating the userusing the received login information; sending, in response to a requestfrom a user via a secure website, the geographical location of themobile device stored on the database for display to the user via thesecure website; receiving an indication from the user that the mobiledevice has been physically dispossessed from the user, wherein theindication comprises instructions to remotely control at least onefunction of the mobile device; receiving a request from the user toremotely control the mobile device via the secure website, wherein therequest comprises at least one of disabling a keyboard of the mobiledevice, accessing personal data stored on the mobile device, recordingan image, and recording audio; and transmitting instructions to themobile device at the geographical location to execute the request uponreceipt of the request via the secure website.
 14. The method of claim13, further comprising: suspending transmitting of said geographicallocation by the mobile device when a geographical location is unchangedfrom a previous geographical location; and resuming transmitting of saidgeographical location when said geographical location is changed fromsaid previous geographical location.
 15. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: detecting a change in identity of the mobile device andtransmitting said change in identity and a current geographical locationupon said detection.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:detecting a battery depletion in the mobile device; detecting attemptsto tamper with the mobile device; and transmitting a currentgeographical location upon said detection of battery depletion or saiddetection of attempts to tamper.
 17. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: receiving a geographical location of the mobile device thatis transmitted from the mobile device upon a change to firmware of themobile device.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receivingan indication from the user that the mobile device has been physicallydispossessed from the user, wherein the indication comprisesinstructions to remotely control at least one function of the mobiledevice; and enabling the user to disable the keyboard of the mobiledevice, erase personal data, execute a phone call, record an image, andrecord audio based upon the indication.
 19. The method of claim 13,further comprising: backing up user information stored on the mobiledevice on the database.
 20. A computer program product for locationbased services utilizing a mobile device, a server, and a securewebsite, the computer program product comprising a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium having a computer program ofinstructions for executing a computer-implemented method, the methodcomprising: intermittently receiving, at the server, a geographicallocation of a mobile device, wherein the geographical location of themobile device is monitored in a background mode of the mobile device;wherein the geographical location of the mobile device is received basedupon a battery power level of the mobile device; storing thegeographical location of the mobile device in a database of the server;receiving login information from a user; authenticating the user usingthe received login information; sending, in response to a request from auser via the secure website, the geographical location of the mobiledevice stored on the database; receiving a request from the user toremotely control the mobile device via the secure website, wherein therequest comprises at least one of disabling a keyboard of the mobiledevice, accessing personal data stored on the mobile device, producingtactile feedback; and transmitting instructions to the mobile device atthe geographical location to execute the request upon receipt of therequest via the secure website.
 21. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising: receiving a request from the user via the secure website toerase personal data stored on the mobile device; and transmittinginstructions to the mobile device to erase the personal data stored onthe mobile device.
 22. A non-transitory computer storage medium storinga computer program of instructions for executing a computer-implementedmethod among a mobile device, a server, and a secure website, the methodcomprising: receiving, at the server, a geographical location of themobile device, wherein the geographical location of the mobile device ismonitored in a background mode of the mobile device; wherein thegeographical location of the mobile device is received based upon abattery power level of the mobile device; storing the geographicallocation of the mobile device in a database of the server; receivinglogin information from a user; authenticating the user using thereceived login information; sending, in response to a request from auser via a secure website, the geographical location of the mobiledevice stored on the database; receiving a request from the user toremotely control the mobile device via the secure website, wherein therequest comprises at least one of disabling a keyboard of the mobiledevice, and erasing data stored on the mobile device; and transmittinginstructions to the mobile device at the geographical location toexecute the request upon receipt of the request via the secure website.23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: receiving a request fromthe user via the secure website to erase personal data stored on themobile device; and transmitting instructions to the mobile device toerase the personal data stored on the mobile device.
 24. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving an indication from the user thatthe mobile device has been physically dispossessed from the user,wherein the indication comprises instructions to remotely control atleast one function of the mobile device; and enabling the user todisable the keyboard of the mobile device, erase personal data, executea phone call, record an image, and record audio based upon theindication.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: providinggeographical information associated with contacts of a social networkingsystem.
 26. The method of claim 13, wherein the secured website isconfigured to perform at least one function on the mobile devicesincluding activating a key lock feature, erase data, backing upinformation from the mobile device to the database, placing a phonecall, taking a picture, video recording, voice recording, and sending anMMS message.
 27. The method of claim 22, further comprising: receivingan indication from the user that the mobile device has been physicallydispossessed from the user, wherein the indication comprisesinstructions to remotely control at least one function of the mobiledevice; and enabling the user to disable the keyboard of the mobiledevice, erase personal data, execute a phone call, record an image, andrecord audio based upon the indication.
 28. The method of claim 24,further comprising: receiving an indication from the user that themobile device has been physically dispossessed from the user, whereinthe indication comprises instructions to remotely control at least onefunction of the mobile device; and enabling the user to disable thekeyboard of the mobile device, erase personal data, execute a phonecall, record an image, and record audio based upon the indication.